On Mon September 6 2021, by Office
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE 31 AUGUST 2021
The families of Penny Bennett and Mike Wells held a memorial charity day at the Club last Friday and received fantastic support from everyone at the Club. The money raised will go to Penny and Mike’s chosen charities- Cancer Research UK, Dorothy House Hospice and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
There were around 180 players in the Texas Scramble competition for teams of four – many members played but so did family and friends of Penny and Mike including 4 teams from Larkhall Football Club for whom Mike played for a number of years. All those playing were asked to wear something pink as this was Penny’s favourite colour!
The celebration went on long into the evening including prizegiving, an auction and a very well supported raffle and then some of Mike’s recordings were played along with a number of photos of him with his family over the years.
In total around £6000 was raised which was testament to the generosity of those attending and to the hard work put in by a number of volunteers and helpers.
The winning team was the Butler family - Ed playing with son Edison and daughter Lotti - partnering Tom Cooper. Their nett 53.6 put them half a shot ahead of the team of Ken Madden, Mike Creamer, Phil Mawer and Roger Gwilliam. Third spot and just over 2 shots back went to Andy Matthews partnering Dave Howarth, Theo Hall and James Flew whilst Barry Frayling with Martin Longford, Paul Thorne and Rob Braund were closely behind in fourth place.
The Harris brothers, Ron and H, with Alan Veitch and Phil Francis were fifth with a nett 57.7 just one tenth of a shot clear of Robert Collier, David Rice, Chris Oldland and Stephen Pursey.
The nearest the pin prizes were won by Margaret Ruxton and Dave Chapple whilst Charlie Patterson had the longest drive and Alan Veitch had the straightest drive. Chairman John Butler won the putting prize.
A great day was had by all!
The Masters Trophy for lower handicappers was won by Barry Frayling with a nett 67 some 4 shots clear of Simon Hale with Anand Shah a further shot adrift. The Frankcom Trophy for higher handicappers went to John Dinning also with a nett 67 from Mike Passmore snr and Blaine Crooks who both shot 69 and could only be separated by countback . John Hodges took fourth place.
The mixed open greensomes has been won by John and Bet Gazzard from Stockwood Vale with 39 points which put them 2 points ahead of Laurie and Julie Abbott from Bowood whilst Lansdown’s Margaret Ruxton and Terry Corbett took third place with 35 points.
The honours in the latest midweek stableford went to Mike Martin with 40 points just one ahead of Patrick Foster who topped division one ahead of Charlie Patterson and Theo Hall. Behind Martin in division two were Dave Lambern and Alan Murray – both with 37 points. Division three went to John Portnall with 38 points – 3 shots clear of Alan Perrin and Terry Mallon.
PRESS RELEASE 24 AUGUST 2021
The prestigious Chairman’s Putter competition has been won by Jay Harris but it was a tight affair as he just edged out Rob Braund on countback when both came in with 40 points.
Rob had the consolation of winning division one from Andy Pothecary on 38 points with Theo Hall - a two further points adrift. The honours in division two went to Shaun Hindmarsh with 37 points just one ahead of Giles Carre who in turn was one point clear of James Gregory. Lewis Risdale took division three with 39 points, 3 points ahead of Lansdown stalwart, Ron Harris, with Peter Essam taking third spot with 35 points.
On the same day the ladies played for the Ladies Cup which this year was won by Margaret Ruxton. The third round of the Frieda Bowl was won by Bev Rees with a nett 76 which put her 4 shots clear of Di Garry in second place.
The Elms Trophy, a greensomes medal, turned out to be a family affair as Mike Passmore senior and son Mike took the honours with a nett 71 which put them less than a shot ahead of Graham Morrice and Tom Cooper in second place.
Earlier in the month, Senior’s captain, Phil Robinson, held his away day at Mendip Golf Club. The scoring reflected the tough conditions as the Chic Ward Trophy was won by Terry Corbett with 36 points. The winners of the team bowmaker competition was Dave Pike partnering John Stokes and Paul Lecki – a good day was had by all!
PRESS RELEASE CAPTAIN'S CHARITY DAY
Apart from the disappointing weather, Lansdown’s Captain’s Charity Day proved a successful and enjoyable event. The format was teams of four playing a Bowmaker, 2 scores to count, and the winning team came in with an impressive score of 92 points. The runners-up were only one point behind, so the wind and rain did not deter the competitors from playing some very good golf. The winning team was captained by Tom Cooper, and included Edison Butler, Dave Baker and Tom Brooks. The second team with 91 points was Paul Maidment, Dave Pike, Alan Denning and John Jotcham. Third with a very respectable 88 points were John Crump, Dave Pollinger, Joe Garry and John Pullin. Club Captain, Rod Thomas, was extremely pleased to announce that the day had raised nearly £2000 for his designated charity, Dorothy House Hospice Care. The event was also supported by Lansdown Mazda who put one of their prestige models on display for the day.
The Senior’s Open Day was well supported not only by players from local clubs but also players from as far afield as Winchester and Pontypool. The honours went to Steve Brunton with a nett 67 which put him one shot clear of Colin Holcombe and Steve Ganaway (from Chipping Sodbury) who could only be separated on countback. Geoff Andrews took fourth spot with a nett 9 but again on countback from John Stokes.
The second round of the Frieda Bowl was won by Margaret Ruxton with a net 75 – two shots clear of Kate McCarey and Bev Rees.
PRESS RELEASE 10th AUGUST
Very appropriately husband and wife teams topped the results in the Loving Cup! Paul and Jo Blackmore took the top spot with 34 points which put them 3 points clear of Andy and Cathy Gilson. Third place, just a further point adrift ,went to captain elect, Ed Butler, playing with his young daughter Lotti.
The Withers Bowl, a foursomes event for ladies and seniors, has been won by Tegwen Hopkins and John Stokes with 40 points but it was a tight affair with John Dare and Bev Rees just one point back.
The Lansdown Cup in the Junior Open, for the best gross score, has been won by Ethan Holway ( Kendleshire) with a round of 77 which put him three shots clear of Lewis Stalley (Brickhampton Court) whilst Lansdown’s, Cameron Stevenson, took third place with a gross 83. Cayden Linton won the best nett prize with a nett 68 whilst Edison Butler took the Kite Cup for the Lansdown best gross score.
Last week, the past captains away day took place at Farrington Park. The 2007 captain, Dave Webb, took the honours with 37 points with Ken Rawcliffe taking second place. The team event went to Dave playing with club captain, Rod Thomas, Alan Veitch and John Bennett. An excellent day was enjoyed by all the past captains.
Club Professional, James Lee, held his competition day at the weekend. There were innovative ways to earn points and the winner, with 51 points, was Andy Pothecary. Just one point back was Rod Thomas – taking second place but only on countback from club champion, Charlie Taylor-Madge. Graham Belsten and Paul Garland were a further point adrift and again had to separated on countback and the same applied to John Mountain and Chris Sparkes on 48 points.
PRESS RELEASE 3rd AUGUST
The Godfrey Cup, a bowmaker competition, has been won by Captain elect, Ed Butler, partnered by his son Edison, Ed Watson and Bob Tregunna – their 92 points put them 4 points clear of the field.
In second place was the team of Alan Bickley, Terry Bamford, Paul Blackmore and Graham Belsten. A further 2 points adrift was Ken Mitchell playing with Bill Rose, Mike Phillips and Eric Morgan.
There was a clear winner of the Ladies Stableford and Kat Kit Cup Qualifier as Margaret Ruxton came in with an excellent 39 points which put her 5 shots clear of Bev Rees with Loraine Liebenberg taking third spot.
The first mixed friendly of the year, organised by Cathy Gilson, took place on Sunday with Bath winning a tight but very friendly match.
The Open Texas Scramble is always popular and closely contested and this year was no different. The winning team with a nett 54 was Club Chairman, John Butler, with Geoff and Simon Tovey together with Ken Watson. Second place and just one shot back went to Andy Bray (The Players) partnered by Phil McGrath, Dennis Wiltshire and Kevin Thatcher.
The next five positions could only be separated on countback as they all shot nett 56. Third place went to the team of Andy Pothecary, Buck Bessex, Dean Faulkner and Andrew Gover just pipping Ken Wyatt, Tom Brooks, Steve Hillman and Anthony Caddick. The final place in the prizes went to Eddie McDonald playing with Steve Maddison, Barry Frayling and Liam Fussell.
The best visitors prize went to the team from Saltford- David Boulton, Keith Ayres, Mark Wickham and David Jones – again with a nett 56.
During lockdown Lansdown, with the help of a grant from England Golf, has established a six-hole Academy Course which is open to members and visitors alike. It is excellent for those who want to sharpen their short game, for those just starting the game or for those just wanting a bit of fun with family and friends. Children are very welcome – just pop into the Pro-shop to arrange your game.
PRESS RELEASE 20th JULY
A staggering score of gross 63, net 62, was returned by Lansdown’s Charlie Patterson last week to win the Mullingar Trophy. Charlie’s score was four shots ahead of the runner-up, 2021 club champion Charlie Taylor-Madge, who scored 67 gross, net 63. Third prize in Division 1 went to Tom Morris with a gross 71, net 67. Division 2 winners were David Lambern (net 70 on count back), Giles Carre (net 70) and Charlie Godwin (net 71). Division 3 was headed by Malcolm Payne (net 69), followed by Philip Belsten (net 73) and Mark Sevier (net 74).
Lansdown ladies held their Captains’ Day last week and were treated to a day of uninterrupted sunshine, luckily before the heatwave arrived. A great time was had by all, and the winner of the Lady Captains’ Shield was Margaret Ruxton with a stableford score of 36 points. Winner of the Silver Division with 35 points was Jane Belsten and, also with 35 points, was the winner of the Bronze Division prize, Bev Rees.
104 players turned out to play in the Davis Cup on Saturday which was won by Roland Jenkins with 40 points. Division 1 winners all had 38 points, decided on countback – 1st was Ken Watson, 2nd Ed Butler and 3rd Robert Smith. Again, in Division 2, all three winners had the same score – 39 points – decided on countback. They were 1st Stewart Foster, 2nd Jack Belsher and 3rd Terry Bamford. Two points separated the winners in Division 3, with Fred Hulcoop coming 1st with 36 points, Andy Rood 2nd with 35 and John Dinning 3rd with 34 points.
LANSDOWN CAPTAIN’S DAY RESULTS
Rod Thomas, Lansdown’s Club Captain for 2021, enjoyed a successful Captain’s Day on Saturday, with a packed field from all sections of the club.
The overall winner taking the Captain’s Shield was Mark Hand with 43 points which put him just one shot clear of the field. Scott Pillinger took the honours in division one with 41 points on countback from Ken Watson. Division two winner, also with 41 points, was Chris Frohlich which put him 3 points clear of Ian Drake in second place. Division 3 went to Graham Belsten with 42 points whilst the winner of the senior’s section was David Baker also with 42 points.
There was a clear winner of the ladies section as Margaret Ruxton came in with 37 points some 3 points clear of Suzanne Wheeler with Di Garry a further two points adrift in third place. Winner of the Junior Trophy was Cameron Stevenson with 38 points whilst Edison Butler was runner-up with 36 points.
There were lots of other prizes for nearest the pin, longest and straightest drives drive and a putting competition – and a great day was had by all. Sam Jenkins had the longest drive whilst Laura Leach and Paddy Crowley won the straightest drive prizes. Barry Green won the longest putt competition whilst the nearest the pin prizes were won by Kate Williams, Joe Sardo, Cameron Stevenson, Terry Pocock and Mike Banner.
Rod would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who took part on the day and also to the many people behind the scenes who helped make it such an enjoyable day.
Rod was delighted with the support he received from everyone and was very happy with his special day, especially as all the extra events raised nearly £400 for his nominated charity, Dorothy House.
The Ladies Stableford earlier in the week was won by Loraine Liebenberg with 34 points just one ahead of Jane Belsten and Margaret Ruxton. The nine hole event on the same day went to Anna Proctor with 15 points.
The Lansdown first team gained promotion from division 5 of the Bristol and District Golf League last year and have started well in division 4 having won the 3 of their first five matches- the latest being a home win over Kingsdown by 3.5 to 1.5.
This week Joe Long, the 2020 British Amateur Champion, tees it up in The Open at Royal St Georges. Joe has also played in The Masters, the US Open, The Walker Cup and the Memorial this year – a fantastic experience for him! All at the Club are very proud of him and will be cheering him on.
PRESS RELEASE 6th JULY 2021
Club captain, Rod Thomas, won Phil Robinson’s seniors captains day with an excellent 43 points which included 8 pars in the front nine to set him on his way to victory. But it was tight as Graham Cavill was only point adrift in second spot. Mike Wilband took third place with 40 points just one ahead of John Dare whilst Roy McCullough and Dave Pike both scored 38 points.
There was also a bowmaker team event which was won by Dave Pollinger, John Dare and Dennis Wiltshire with 90 points which put them 2 ahead of Mike Wilband, Graham Cavill and Vincent Halton. In third place with 84 points was the team of Terry Corbett, Kevin Thatcher and John Pullen.
The Bogey Bowl and Junior Bowl are played on the same day. Bill Rose took the Bogey Bowl as he was 2 up against the course whilst Dave Newport in second place was one down. The Junior Bowl for higher handicappers had a clear winner in Mike Gray – his 41 points put him four clear of Peter Essam in second place.
The Ladies Bogey Bowl was won by Di Garry who was all square against the course whilst Anna Proctor took second place just one down.
The honours in the latest Professional’s competition went to James Flew with 41 points whilst division one was taken by Ian White with 35 points just one ahead of Joe Sardo. Jay Harris was the clear winner in division two with 40 points some four points ahead of Andy Matthews whilst Geoff Ewans and Matthew Harvey could only be separated by countback in division 3 as both scored 37 points.
LANSDOWN'S CAPTAIN DRIVES IN
The Captain’s Installation Bowmaker competition was held at Lansdown on Saturday – a little later this year due to the effect of the COVID-9 restrictions. Rod Thomas, Club Captain for 2021, took office in April but has had to wait until now to celebrate his inauguration with the members.
Rod followed the club’s long tradition with a Charity Drive In – with members entering a sweepstake to guess the length of his drive from the first tee. This year, two members – Joe Garry & Paul Thorne - correctly guessed the length as 187 yards and shared the small prize. Funds from the drive in will go to the Captain’s nominated charity, Dorothy House.
There were two shot-gun start Bowmaker competitions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Morning winners: Peter Gerry, James Flew & Chris Simpson
Afternoon winners: Ed Watson, Ian Wright, Dave Baker & Malcolm Kempster
Earlier in June, the Colmer Cup played over two days was won by Sam Jenkins with a nett 132 which put him 12 shots clear of Blaine Crooks in second spot.
The first round was a competition in itself and Jenkins was overall and division one winner with a net 64 ahead of Steve Maddison and Mark Hand with nett 69. Crooks took division two with a nett 67 just one shot ahead of Gordon Beavis with Danny Brine a further two shots back. Lee McLoed won division 3 on countback from Ken Wyatt as both came in with nett 71 just a shot clear of Josh Gleghorn.
In the seniors the JJ Evans Plate went to Gordon Beavis with 38 points just one ahead of Alan Murray and Mike Philips. Beavis also won the Senior’s Invitation event with Es Murray from Bath with 43 points but only on countback from John Dare and Andy Moody (Henbury). Club captain, Rod Thomas, was in third place partnering Mike Knight (Bath) and scoring 42 points.
The seniors open Texas Scramble was dominated by home teams:
First place: Graham Pristo, Ed Watson, Dave Whyte and Ian Carter
Second place: Terry Corbett, Ken Mitchell, Rod Thomas and Dave Lambern
Third place: John Butler, Geoff Tovey, Ken Watson and John Dare
For the ladies, the Judy Burge Plate was won by Margaret Ruxton with 37 points putting her 2 clear of Bev Rees with Di Garry a further shot adrift. The Winifred Bowl has been won this year by Suzanne Wheeler but only on countback from Loraine Liebenberg as both came in with net 77.
Tom Morris took the honours in the midweek stableford with 41 points. Division one went to Andy Pothecary on 38 points just one ahead of Dean Faulkner. Robin Pope claimed division 2 with 39 points with Paul Lowrie in second spot. John Stokes took division 3 with 38 points from Christian Stefan
GREENKEEPER BECOMES LANSDOWN CLUB CHAMPION
LANSDOWN’S NEW CLUB CHAMPION is assistant greenkeeper, Charlie Taylor-Madge. Charlie, who is 21 with a handicap of 4, played two outstanding rounds of golf in dismal weather conditions to post a score of 145 – 9 shots clear of the field. He joined Lansdown as a junior in 2011 and since then has progressed to being selected for the Gloucestershire County 2nd team. He has been with the greens team at Lansdown since leaving school.
Runner-up to Charlie was last year’s Champion, Ed Butler, who claimed the South West Amateur Champion’s prize at the South West Counties’ Match week earlier this month at Burnham & Berrow golf club.
It was a special event all round for the greens staff, as the best Nett prize was won by another member of the team, Jack Moon (35) with a handicap of 22. His combined nett score for the two days was 142. Unfortunately, Jack was not able to stay to collect his trophy as he was needed at home to celebrate Fathers’ Day with his two boys.
THE 2021 LADIES’ CHAMPION for the second year running is Jo Blackmore who plays off a handicap of 8. Runner-up was Jo’s playing partner, Kate Williams, who plays off 18.
Results of the men’s medal played on the first day of the Championships:
Division 1
1st Charlie Taylor-Madge Nett 66
2nd Paul Garland Nett 68
Division 2
1st Malcolm Kempster Nett 67
2nd Paul Eddleston Nett 69
Division 3
1st Jack Moon Nett 67
2nd Graham Belsten Nett 70
Charlie Taylor-Madge with Club Captain, Rod Thomas
Ladies' Champion Jo Blackmore
Contact: [email protected]
21st June 2021
PRESS RELEASE 7 JUNE 2021
The Australia Cup has been won by Mike Wilband but it was a tight affair and he only prevailed on countback from Mike Martin as both scored 41 points. The honours in division one went to Terry Corbett with 40 points just one ahead of Steven Morris with Steve Book in third spot a further point adrift.
Patrick Foster took third place in division two with 39 points behind the two Mikes. Division three could only be decided on countback as Andy Rood, Matthew Harvey and Andy Lock also came in with 35 points.
In the Senior’s section, the JJ Evans Plate was won by Gordon Beavis with 38 points with Alan Murray just a point back and with Mike Philips in third spot on countback with 37 points.
Lesley Hart took the Flo Eddols Plate with 33 points – 3 shots clear of Trish Ritchie with Margaret Ruxton a further point back.
Over the Bank Holiday weekend members play for the Tom Randle Trophy – fourball betterball competition. Members can play as many times as they wish and as always it was a very competitive affair with the top four pairings all scoring 44 points. The father and son combination of Steve and Tom Morris took top spot from Steve Watts and Glen Minchin. Andy Quigley and Lee McLeod took third place with Chris Sparkes and Steve Magee in fourth.
The Harker Salver, an eclectic competition played over six rounds as finally been decided – having been delayed by the Covid pandemic. The winner with an excellent nett 48 was the in-form Alan Murray but only on countback from Dave Miles. Within that event the players also play for the Rob Law Trophy for the best gross score which also went to Alan with a 64.
Steve Magee and Patrick Harrison will represent the Club at the Seniors County Stableford Competition in September at Broadway Golf Club. Steve won the qualifier with 40 points whilst Patrick took division one with 36 points ahead of Andy Pothecary. Division two went to Charlie Godwin on countback from Iain Wright.
PRESS RELEASE 3 JUNE 2021
R&A AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY GOES BACK TO SCOTLAND
The magnificent silver trophy has spent the winter months in safe keeping at Lansdown Golf Club, having been presented to Joe Long last September following his victory at the 2020 R & A Amateur Championship. Joe’s name has been added to the list of past winners engraved on the trophy’s base - including some famous names, such as Bobby Jones, Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia.
The huge trophy came out of its box one last time before being packed away for the journey back to Scotland in time for the 2021 Championships to be held at Nairn and Nairn Dunbar later this month – and eventual presentation to the new Champion.
Sadly, Joe won’t be in Scotland to defend his title as he is flying back to the US to compete in the US Open at Torrey Pines in California on the same weekend.
Joe paid a flying visit to his home club last week to play a few holes and members took the chance to quiz him about his experiences competing in the US Masters at Augusta National in April and with the GB & I team at the 2021 Walker Cup in the USA earlier this month. Joe had more exciting news to share – he has been invited by Jack Nicklaus to play in the Memorial Tournament this weekend at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Ohio.
Joe Long on the 1st Tee at Lansdown
